Ahmedabad is without a doubt one of India’s most culturally lively cities. A tour of the city is never boring because there is so much to see in Ahmedabad, from gorgeous temples and mosques to smart museums and sparkling lakes to age-old pols. However, if you leave the city, you will find an equally incredible treasury of history and culture. And what better site to witness history in action than fortresses, here is the forts in Ahmedabad to Visit in 2023.
So, here are the most notable forts in Ahmedabad that have weathered the test of time and are transporting visitors back to the age of chivalry.
Forts in and around Ahmedabad include:
Kanthkot Fort, Kanthkot
Lakhota Fort, Jamnagar
Bhujia Fort, Bhuj
Fort Diu, Diu
Bhadra Fort Court Road, Old City
Kaligam Fort Kali
Pavagadh Fort Champaner
Kanthkot Fort
Kanthkot Fort was built in the eighth century on an isolated hill with a 5 kilometre diameter. According to some sources, the fort was built by the Kathi tribe, who were sun worshippers. Within its walls are three temples: one for Kanthadnath, a sage after whom the fort is claimed to be called, one for the Sun god, and one for the Jain god.
There are also two deep wells and a stepwell excavated in a ravine west of the fort. Its control, which passed among various local tribes and dynasties before finally falling to the British, is also remarkable.
Timings: All day.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee.
Even after the British took over the area, the Jadejas retained administrative authority of the fort until 1947.
Lakhota Fort
This fort, located in the centre of Lakhota Lake, may only be a watchtower with turrets, but it is worth a visit. It is essentially a museum with items dating from the 9th to the 18th centuries AD on display. You enter the tower museum through the guardroom, which houses swords, muskets, and powder flasks. Furthermore, the frescoes on the museum’s walls commemorate the different conflicts conducted by the Jadeja monarchs. The most unusual exhibit at the museum, however, is a whale skeleton!
Location: Jamnagar is 291 kilometres from Ahmedabad.
Timings: 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The entry fee is $2.
Trivia: Lakhota Lake was established to provide drought relief following insufficient monsoon rainfall in 1834.
Bhujia Fort
Bhujia Fort, perched on a hill, is rich in both history and mythology. According to legend, the fort was named after Bhujanga Naga, a serpent deity supposed to be Shesha Naga’s brother. Rao Godji I of the Jadeja clan built the fort somewhere in the 18th century, and it is thought to have experienced six significant wars.
According to legend, the native Naga tribe aided Deshalji I during his war with Sher Buland Khan of the Mughal Empire. Because the tribe worshipped Bhujanga Naga, after the war, a temple was built within the fort in his honour, which you can see.
Many entrance gates and strong walls may be seen during a climb to the stronghold.
Location: Bhuj (332 kilometres from Ahmedabad)
Hours of operation: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee.
Trivia: The fort was under the authority of the Indian Army between 1947 and 2001.
Bhadra Fort
Let us begin with the historic Bhadra Fort, which is located within the city. Because the fort’s separate structures have practically mixed in with modern city buildings, you might not notice you’re there. Still, you might be able to view the fortress walls, which were constructed with eight gates and 14 bastion towers.
The famed Teen Darwaza, located just outside the fort, is now used as a traffic crossing. Other attractions within the Bhadra Fort walls include the Bhadra Kali Temple, Jami Masjid, Azam Khan Sarai, and Clock Tower, in addition to various lawns and mansions.
Location: Court Road in Ahmedabad’s Old City
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee.
Trivia: According to some reports, the fort is called after the Bhadra Kali Temple located on its grounds.
Fort Kaligam
The Kaligam Fort, located on the city’s northern boundaries, is mostly unknown to the rest of the globe. Unfortunately, due to a lack of visitor attention, the fort is nearly in ruins. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go, especially if you’re a history buff. Historians believe the thin, flat bricks employed in its construction allude to the excellent Mughal craftsmanship. The fort’s outward-projecting windows (jharokhas) reflect native architectural influence. Also see: Historical Sites in Ahmedabad
Location:
Kali, Ahmedabad is the location.
Timings: All day.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee.
Experts believe that the fort was erected largely for military purposes.
Trivia: According to experts, the fort was built primarily as a military camp.
Fort Pavagadh
Pavagadh Fort was built by the Solanki monarchs and strengthened by the Chauhans of the Khichi tribe. The fortress’s sandstone walls are interlaced with bastion towers, like are other forts near Ahmedabad. Within the fort, there are eight gates and various temples, including Lakulisa Temple, which dates back to the 10th or 11th century, and other Jain temples, which were probably built around the 13th century.
You can either walk up the stepping path with iron railings or ride the cable car to the fort!
Location: Champaner (137 kilometres from Ahmedabad).
Timings: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: 30 for the fort; 65-90 for the cable car
Trivia: The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, which includes Pavagadh Fort and other palaces and ancient sites, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Diu Fort
While the forts discussed thus far were erected by the Mughals, provincial rulers, or Gujarati Sultans, the one in Diu was built by the formidable Portuguese. The sea-facing fort once had bastions on its inner walls that housed brass guns; these are still present, FYI.
Within the fort are a lighthouse, St. Paul’s Church, St. Thomas’ Church, Venetian-Gothic bungalows, havelis, and a Lord Shiva shrine. While St. Paul’s Church is known for its gorgeous Baroque front, St. Thomas’ Church is known for its Gothic-inspired architecture.
Location: Diu (347 kilometres from Ahmedabad)
Timings: from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: Free; 2 for lighthouse.
Fact: The Fort Diu jetty has